Mansfield Town loan striker Tyler Walker can’t wait for League Two season to start

Mansfield Town v Rotherham Utd.'Action from the One Call Stadium against visitors Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon.

Published:18:50Saturday 28 July 2018

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Loan striker Tyler Walker said he could not wait for the new season to start after hitting his first Mansfield Town goal as the Stags continued their remarkable pre-season form against Championship clubs.

Walker struck the winner four minutes before half-time as David Flitcroft’s men overcame Rotherham United 2-1 - following wins over Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday and a draw against Sheffield United.

Mansfield Town v Rotherham Utd.'Action from the One Call Stadium against visitors Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon.

Walker, on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest, said: “It was enjoyable and to get the goal and play well with the lads was brilliant.

“Pre-season is for getting back into the swing of things and getting sharp ready for the season. All the lads in the changing room are saying we can’t wait for the season to start now... so bring on Saturday (when the Stags host Newport County in League Two).

“I feel fit and sharp and ready to go - the same as all the lads. We have played (against) four Championship teams and done really well and held our own. We feel like it is coming together.

“I can’t wait for it to start. It is going to be a good season and hopefully we can deliver for the fans.

“We are trying to excite them (the fans) and play good football, which is suiting the lads and can only help everyone. The gaffer has been brilliant with us and hopefully it will get better.”

Walker said it would take time for the Stags’ new faces to gel, but they were already doing well.

“It is a new team and we are all getting used to each other. It is going to take a bit of time to get used to the runs everyone makes and who does what, but I feel like we have done really well in pre-season,” he said.

“We are only going to get better as a team.

“It is important that we go out to win (no matter who we are playing). It is a winning mentality that we are looking for and every game is winnable we feel because we have got a good squad.”

Talking about his winner, the striker said: “It was a good build-up by the team and I was set up nicely. I am happy I have scored it and happy we have got the win.

“I have really enjoyed myself (at Mansfield). With previous loans I have not come in this early, so this has helped me to settle in a lot and get to know the boys. I feel really settled now.